Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Fish and Spinach Bake
Fish filet on a spinach bed with a layer of tomato and green onion.

Fish and Spinach Bake

Healthy baked fish with fresh and frozen veggies and cajun spices.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Servings
Autumn Squash Bisque with Ginger
A bowl of smooth squash soup spiced with ginger and garlic is topped with yogurt and chopped parsley.

Autumn Squash Bisque with Ginger

Delicious squash soup seasoned with ginger and pear that’s easy and quick to make for lunch or dinner. Freezes well.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Sweet Potato and Orange Muffins
Pulled-apart fluffy and moist sweet potato muffins.

Sweet Potato and Orange Muffins

A warm and comforting combination of whole-wheat flour, sweet potatoes, warm spices and tangy orange make these muffins perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
12 muffins
Pineapple Salsa
Bowl of pineapple salsa

Pineapple Salsa

Full of flavor and easy to make, this salsa is perfect for a party or a tasty snack any time.
Prepare:
10 to 15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Very Berry Muesli (‘mew-slee’)
Bowl of oatmeal and yogurt topped with fruit and walnuts.

Very Berry Muesli (‘mew-slee’)

Quick and healthy breakfast with hearty oats and creamy yogurt, then topped with crunchy walnuts.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Lemon Dill Brussels Sprouts
Plate of brussels sprouts with a creamy yogurt dressing.

Lemon Dill Brussels Sprouts

Sauteed Brussels sprouts with a creamy lemon and dill sauce.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.